Eric Morrison – Shaping AI and UX Through Human-Centered Research

Eric Morrison of New York City didn’t start his career in technology. He began with a love of history at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and won the John Addison Porter Prize. “History taught me to ask why things happen the way they do,” Eric says. “That curiosity still drives my work today.”

After Yale, he pursued a Master of Science in the Social Science of the Internet at the University of Oxford. “Oxford helped me understand how technology and society shape each other,” he explains. “A lot of UX professionals still think that design holds the power to explicitly determine how people use technology; but the reality is much more dynamic.” This academic foundation set the stage for a career focused on understanding users and drawing inspiration from how they ultimately define (or redefine) the purpose of technology you put in front of them. 

Early career and UX research foundations

Eric’s first steps into UX research were shaped by his interest in human behavior and technology. He worked with companies such as TikTok and Disney, leading projects and teams that combined qualitative research, interviews, surveys, and ethnography. “I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of translating research into action,” he says. “It’s about more than data–it’s about stories, patterns, and real human needs.”

One memorable project involved analyzing user engagement on a collaboration platform. “We found that people were avoiding certain features not because they were hard to use but because they didn’t fit naturally into their workflows,” Eric recalls. “Once we understood the context, we could help design solutions that actually worked for users.”

Leading research at Google

Today, Eric leads research at Google focused on AI in the workplace. His area explores how AI can enhance collaboration and creativity, not replace human work. “AI should amplify human potential,” he says. “Our goal is to design tools that help teams work smarter while keeping people in control.”

Eric emphasizes transparency and ethics in AI design. “Users need to trust the systems they use,” he explains. “If they don’t understand what AI is doing, it won’t be effective. Clear communication and control are essential.”

Translating research into product strategy

One of Eric’s greatest strengths is turning insights into actionable strategy. “Research is only valuable if it changes how decisions are made,” he says. By combining quantitative measurement with qualitative observations, Eric helps product teams make informed choices.

For instance, when reviewing user interactions with a productivity tool, his team discovered hidden friction points that metrics alone could not reveal. “Numbers told us part of the story, but interviews revealed why people struggled and how they thought about their tasks,” Eric explains. “Those insights led to design decisions that improved the product in meaningful ways.”

Ethical design and human-centered technology

Eric believes that ethical design is central to the future of AI and UX. He studies not just how people use technology, but how it affects behavior and relationships. “Responsible design is about fairness, privacy, and inclusion,” he says. “It’s about designing AI that respects people and earns their trust.”

He also highlights the role of diversity in research. “Including different perspectives helps uncover hidden biases and ensures that products work for everyone,” he notes. For example, he advocates for the practice of habitually including non-target audiences in research. “It’s often only when you shift your attention outward from your precise target audience that you can fully grasp the unexpected uses and outcomes of the technology you design.”

Life in New York City

Outside of work, Eric draws inspiration from his environment. He currently lives in New York City, where the fast pace and diversity of the city help him observe human behavior in real life. “Living in New York keeps me curious,” he says. “There is always something new to learn about people, culture, and how we interact with technology.”

Looking ahead

Eric Morrison’s career demonstrates how research and empathy can guide smarter technology decisions. From his early days studying history and internet behavior to leading AI research at Google, he has consistently focused on understanding people first.

“My goal is to make technology that genuinely helps people,” he says. “If research can guide that process, we build tools that are not only useful but meaningful.”

With more than a decade of experience, a strong academic background, and a focus on ethical and human-centered design, Eric continues to shape the future of UX and AI. His work proves that understanding human behavior is the key to creating technology that works for everyone.